The Stories Behind Famous Gemstone Jewellery

Explore the fascinating history and captivating stories behind some of the world’s most famous gemstone jewellery pieces, from the Star of India to the Black Prince’s Ruby.

Gemstone jewellery has long captivated people’s imaginations, from its dazzling beauty to its intricate designs. However, some pieces are more than just pretty accessories. They carry stories that span centuries, weaving together tales of love, war, and adventure. In this article, we delve into the stories behind some of the most famous gemstone jewellery pieces, revealing the history and secrets that make them so fascinating.

The Star Of India

The Star of India is a stunning 563-carat star sapphire that is considered one of the most famous gemstones in the world. Discovered in Sri Lanka in the 19th century, the stone was donated to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City in 1900. It has since been the centrepiece of the museum’s J.P. Morgan Hall of Gems and Minerals.

The Star of India’s history is one of adventure and theft. In 1964, thieves broke into the museum and stole the gemstone along with several other valuable pieces. However, the thieves were eventually caught and the Star of India was recovered, although it had been damaged in the process. Today, the Star of India remains one of the most popular attractions at the American Museum of Natural History.

The Black Prince’s Ruby

The gemstone is not actually a ruby but a red spinel, a gemstone that was once thought to be a ruby. Set in the Imperial State Crown of England, the gemstone has a rich history dating back to the 14th century.

Legend has it that the Black Prince’s Ruby was given to Edward of Woodstock, also known as the Black Prince, by Pedro the Cruel of Castile as a gift for his support in battle. The stone was then passed down through the generations of British monarchs, eventually ending up in the Imperial State Crown.

During World War II, the crown jewels were kept in a secret location to protect them from the Germans. However, King George VI famously wore the Imperial State Crown during his coronation in 1937, and it has been worn by every British monarch since.

The Hope Diamond

The Hope Diamond is one of the world’s most famous and valuable diamonds, known for its rare blue colour and size of 45.52 carats. Its history is full of mystery and intrigue, as it is said to have brought bad luck to many of its owners.

The diamond’s origins are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been mined in India and later acquired by a French merchant named Jean-Baptiste Tavernier. Tavernier sold the diamond to King Louis XIV of France, who had it cut and set into a piece of jewellery. The diamond then passed through the hands of various owners, including the wealthy Hope family, before being donated to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.

The Hope Diamond’s legend includes tales of curses and misfortune, as many of its owners experienced tragedy or financial ruin. However, others believe the diamond to be a symbol of love and good fortune, as it has been worn by several famous women throughout history, including Marie Antoinette and Evalyn Walsh McLean.

Beauty, Elegance & Stories

Gemstone jewellery, especially handmade diamond engagement rings, has always been treasured for its beauty and elegance, but the stories behind some pieces are what truly make them special. From the Star of India to the Hope Diamond, each piece has a unique history that has been passed down through the ages. Whether it’s the tale of a famous theft or a mysterious curse, these stories add a layer of intrigue and fascination to these already stunning pieces of jewellery.

As we continue to cherish and admire these gemstones, it’s important to also appreciate the rich history that they carry with them. The Star of India, for example, is one of the world’s largest sapphires, weighing in at a whopping 563 carats. This magnificent gemstone was discovered in Sri Lanka over 300 years ago and has since traveled across the world, being owned by many different monarchs and collectors. Similarly, the Black Prince’s Ruby, a large spinel set in the British Imperial State Crown, has a history that dates back to the 14th century when it was owned by the Spanish King Pedro the Cruel. These stories are just a few examples of the fascinating tales that surround some of the world’s most famous gemstone jewellery pieces.